Chicago Bears to invest over $2 billion to build new stadium near Soldier Field, reversing plans to move away from city center

cnn
—

The Chicago Bears have announced they will begin plans to build a new stadium near their current Soldier Field home, a change from their original plans to move further out of the city.

“The Chicago Bears have committed more than $2 billion to build a stadium and improve open spaces for all families, fans and the public to enjoy in the city of Chicago,” the team said in a statement. communicated to CNN on Monday.

“The future Chicago Bears stadium will bring a transformative opportunity to our region: boosting the economy, creating jobs, facilitating mega-events and generating millions in tax revenue. We look forward to sharing more information when our plans are finalized.”

Sources familiar with the plan told CNN affiliate WLS. that the team is investing private money to build a publicly owned domed stadium on the lakefront south of where Soldier Field is located.

Staying close to downtown will make Chicago a more viable host for future Super Bowls given its transportation infrastructure.

The decision comes after speculation that the Bears were considering building a new stadium further outside of downtown following the acquisition of 326 acres of property in Arlington Heights last year.

Sources told WLS the new project would increase open space by nearly 20% and include free, year-round plazas, trails and garden areas with lakefront access so it could be a year-round community asset. the year for everyone to enjoy. .

“I have always said that significant private investment and a strong emphasis on public benefit are my requirements for public-private partnerships in our city. “The Chicago Bears’ plans are a welcome step in that direction and a testament to Chicago’s economic vitality,” Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a statement.

“I look forward to further conversations with the Bears, state leadership and community stakeholders about how we can continue to responsibly support the aspirations of the team, its fans and all residents of the city of Chicago.”

soldier field Opened in 1924 and hosted Bears games for the first time in 1971 after the team moved from Wrigley Field. In 2003, the stadium reopened after 20 months of renovations to modernize the area.

It has a capacity of 63,500 people and is also the home of the Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer.